Other Therapy and Assessment Technicians
(NOC 3237)
in All HealthThis group includes workers, not elsewhere classified, who perform various technical therapy and assessment functions. Some may assist professionals such as audiologists, speech-language pathologists, ophthalmologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. They are employed in hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, educational institutions, and in the private practices of the professionals they assist.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Health
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Other Therapy and Assessment Technicians most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 51% of Other Therapy and Assessment Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $44,507. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$20.00
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,599
Minimum$34,216
Median$50,394
MaximumCompared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$16.38
Minimum$25.50
Median$41.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,740
Minimum$43,853
Median$88,944
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
This group includes workers, not elsewhere classified, who perform various technical therapy and assessment functions. Some may assist professionals such as audiologists, speech-language pathologists, ophthalmologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. They are employed in hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, educational institutions, and in the private practices of the professionals they assist.
Job duties
The following is a summary of the main duties for some jobs in this group:
- Hearing instrument practitioners examine adult clients to assess hearing loss using diagnostic evaluation and electro acoustic testing; recommend and dispense appropriate type of hearing instrument; take earmold impressions for use in the manufacture of hearing devices; fit, adjust and make minor modifications to hearing instruments; educate clients in appropriate use, care and maintenance of hearing instruments and perform follow-up examinations and readjustments.
- Audiometric technicians, under the supervision of audiologists, administer tests such as pure tone hearing screening, impedance tests and noise level measurements using equipment such as audiometers and sound level meters to determine hearing thresholds of patients; instruct patients on test procedures and record results; monitor, check and calibrate auditory equipment; may take earmold impressions and fit and adjust hearing instruments.
- Communicative disorders assistants and speech-language pathology assistants assist speech-language pathologists during assessment of patients; carry out treatment programs and develop materials for use with patients, under the supervision of speech-language pathologists; document patient rehabilitation progress; and check and maintain therapeutic equipment and materials.
- Ophthalmic medical assistants operate ophthalmic testing and measuring instruments to aid ophthalmologists in assessing patients' vision; record test results; assist ophthalmologists in office surgery; administer eye drops, ointments and medications as directed by ophthalmologists; clean and maintain instruments and equipment used during examinations; take patients' general medical and ophthalmic history; and perform various administrative duties.
- Physiotherapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants, under the direction of physiotherapists and/or occupational therapists, carry out treatment programs such as thermotherapy, traction, hydrotherapy and electrotherapeutic techniques to rehabilitate patients with various injuries or disabilities to maximize their ability to independently manage daily activities.
Sample job titles
- audiology technician
- audiometrist
- hearing aid practitioner
- hearing assessment technician
- occupational therapy technician
- ophthalmic assistant
- physical therapist assistant (PTA)
- physiotherapist assistant (PTA)
- speech therapy aide
- speech-language pathology assistant
Skills
You must be able to communicate effectively with people and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, good judgement, patience, and self-discipline. Therapists must be creative and unique in their approach to each client. The ability to inspire confidence and to motivate clients is important. A strong sense of responsibility, good judgement, and communication skills are also necessary. Massage therapists also require physical stamina.
Job requirements
- Hearing instrument practitioners require completion of a three-year college diploma in a hearing instrument specialist program, including a period of supervised training.
- Licensure with a regulatory body is required for hearing instrument practitioners in Nova Scotia. Hearing instrument practitioners can prescribe and dispense hearing instruments in Nova Scotia.
- Audiometric technicians and communicative disorders and speech-language pathology assistants require completion of a 12- to 18-month college program in communicative disorders or some post-secondary education and on-the-job training.
- Ophthalmic medical assistants require completion of a one- to two-year college program or a two-year hospital-based training program in ophthalmic medical technology or a minimum of one year of supervised practical training under an ophthalmologist and completion of an approved ophthalmic assistant home study program.
- Physiotherapy assistants require completion of a two- to three-year college program in physical rehabilitation therapy or a two-year physical therapy assistant (PTA) program and supervised practical training.
- Occupational therapy assistants require completion of a two-year occupational therapy assistant (OTA) college program.
Other considerations
Those not employed with public institutions or agencies are often self-employed in a private or group practice. Currently, the qualifications of physical rehabilitation technicians are recognized only in the province of Quebec. In most provinces occupational therapy assistants (OTA) and physiotherapy assistants (PTA) receive training through a single OTA/PTA program in community colleges.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Health
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Cape Breton
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health Care and Social Assistance
Other Services
Computer, Electronic and Electrical Product Manufacturing
Public Administration
Retail Trade
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
15-24
45-54
55-64
Compared to: All Health
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$24,395 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$23,299 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ATrades certificate
$18,988 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$28,020 median annual incomeCompared to: All Health
College certificate or diploma
$36,693 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$57,186 median annual incomeMedicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry
$83,000 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,119 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$87,808 median annual incomeEducation & training
Kinesiology and exercise science
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any scientific program that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. These programs include courses in biomechanics, motor behaviour, motor development and coordination, motor neurophysiology, performance research, rehabilitative therapies, the development of diagnostic and rehabilitative methods and equipment, and related analytical methods and procedures in applied exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
Occupational therapist assistant
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of occupational therapists, to direct patient participation in skill-enhancing, learning, and motivational tasks; correct or diminish pathologies; and to provide direct health education and promotion services. These programs include courses in human lifespan development, occupational therapy principles and practice skills, treatment planning and implementation, record-keeping and documentation, patient education and intervention, activity and program direction, and assistive services management.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
75 High Street
Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8
(902) 543-4608
Optometric technician/assistant
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to assist optometrists in providing patient care, administering examinations and treatments, and performing office administrative functions. These programs include courses in applied anatomy and physiology of the eye, visual testing, patient communication, patient preparation, medications and administration, dispensing and fitting of eyeglasses and contact lenses, record-keeping, and office management skills.
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Practice: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to work in this job.